FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Each of Us Is a Bricklayer

Each of us is a bricklayer, building defensive walls of ideas and feelings. They insulate our soft egos and seal off that vulnerable part of ourselves from one another as effectively as physical barriers. What do you hide behind your wall?

We build walls when we feel threatened. What do you fear?

Explore walls in pop, rock, country, folk, and metal music with this playlist. We take a look at popular songs about building walls, tearing walls down, climbing the walls, writing on the walls, being a fly on the wall, putting your back to the wall and even more.

1. "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd

Probably the first song that comes to mind when you think of songs about walls is this classic rock ditty, right? A protest against rigid schooling, this 1979 worldwide chart-topper was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time." The type of wall Pink Floyd is referring about is blind compliance and conformity.

Wall Lyrics:

All in all you're just another brick in the wall
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

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2. "Walls" by Kings of Leon

The dejected man in this 2016 rock ballad has torn down the emotional walls that protected his heart from breaking. He's laid his feelings on the line for the woman he loves and has left his heart exposed and vulnerable to rejection.

Unfortunately, his lover has crushed his spirits. You can bet those emotional walls will be built even higher when it comes to his next relationship.

Wall Lyrics:

When the walls come down
One by one I'm seein' them fall
Some just don't show up at all
I'm just here to fight the fire
Oh, a man ain't a man unless he has desire.

3. "Crumblin' Down" by John Cougar Mellencamp

The narrator in this 1983 classic rock song features a man who feels dishonorably treated by a system that tries to break down his wall of self-respect and identity that he built through hard work. Authority has tried to break him down and has made him feel like their whipping boy.

Wall Lyrics:

Second best is what you get
'Til you learn to bend the rules
Time respects no person
And when you lift up must fall
They're waiting outside
To claim my crumblin' walls.

4. "Walls" by Bon Jovi

Reflecting both interpersonal and physical walls such as those that populate current events, this 2016 rock song makes a statement about standing up for those who need your help. The narrator describes learning from his parents about the importance of advocating for those less fortunate, including the lonely, the helpless, the hurting, and broken. Walls divide us, and he implores us to tear them down and build more bridges, as "these days we're all just looking for a place that we call home."

Wall Lyrics:

These walls are the mountains that we climb
These walls are the great divide
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
Tear down walls.

5. "Walls" by Ruben

In this electronic pop song from 2018, the narrator describes himself as someone who has built walls around himself so that he wouldn't have to experience emotion. As a male, he has been conditioned to push pain down deep and make himself emotionally inaccessible.

However, now those defensive walls are weakening, and they're about to crash. He's in a dark place with his mental health, and he's reaching out across the fragile walls to receive love and understanding.

Ruben is a Norweigan artist. Watch for him to become the next big thing. I have a hunch about this one!

Wall Lyrics:

But the wind has changed
My walls are weakening
They're gonna fall soon
And I'm gonna need you.

6. "Writing's on the Wall" by Sam Smith

Although this James Bond theme song received mixed reviews, the 2015 orchestral pop tune won both a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award. The phrase "writing's on the wall" references impending disaster. The narrator describes successfully sidestepping "misfortune" in the past, but he feels like this time will mark his undoing. He's talking about falling in love rather than actually dying, however.

Wall Lyrics:

Tell me is this where I give it all up?
For you I have to risk it all
'Cause the writing's on the wall.

7. "Tonight I Climbed the Wall" by Alan Jackson

When a marriage is on the rocks, the feuding spouses build a wall of discord and distrust between themselves with each snide remark, eye roll, and argument. Before long, the division is so high that they can't see the person they married. In this country song from 1993, husband crosses that wall of discord, seeking reconciliation. As he does so, the troubles that split them seem insignificant.

Wall Lyrics:

Tonight I climbed the wall
And took her by the hand
We'd come too far to fall
Couldn't stand to see it end
So tonight I climbed the wall.

8. "Balls to the Wall" by Accept

Did you know that "balls to the wall" is an expression that comes from military aviation? The controls of the plane have ball-shaped grips, and when a pilot exerts maximum pressure by pushing the controls to the plane's firewall, it's "balls to the wall." The phrase means the equivalent of pushing the pedal to the medal or "going all out."

In this 1984 heavy metal song, the German band Accept takes an interest in human rights and politics. They warn that one day oppressed and tortured people among us will unite, then they'll rise up and turn upon their persecutors. At that time, according to the song, you'll exert maximum energy to escape their vengeance.

Wall Lyrics:

You better watch the damned (God bless ya)
They're gonna break their chains (Hey)
No, you can't stop them (God bless ya)
They're coming to get you
And then you'll get your
Balls to the wall, man
Balls to the wall.

9. "Climbing Up the Walls" by Radiohead

The lead singer composed this 1997 rock song when he was working in a mental institution. The haunting nature of its chiming sounds and dragging pace remind me of a mentally ill person who is heavily medicated.

The phrase "climbing up the walls" refers to reaching a point of distress, anxiety, or annoyance to the point of frenzy. The song cryptically references secrets, eccentricities, and fears that other people—those outside one's mind—cannot detect but which the protagonist knows are there. He's can't stop the climbing up his walls.

Wall Lyrics:

Open up your skull
I'll be there
Climbing up the walls.

10. "Fly on the Wall" by Miley Cyrus

The girl in this pop song from 2008 chastises her love interest for his unfounded jealousy. He wants to know too much about her life when they are apart. The overly inquisitive suitor tries to discover what she talks about with her friends and whether she's flirting with other guys.

"A fly on the wall" means that you're able to listen in on conversations undetected.

Wall Lyrics:

Don't you wish that you could be a fly on the wall
A creepy little, sneaky little, fly on the wall?
All my precious secrets, yeah
You'd know them all.

11. "Why We Build the Wall" by Billy Bragg

This tune is a 2017 cover of Anaïs Mitchell's sobering statement from her folk opera. It describes what the border wall represents. (Yep, they're talking about that wall.)

In a circular argument, the narrator explains that the wall keeps us free from the enemy, which is poverty. We have work and "they" have none. They want what we have, but we'll always have this wall to work upon. The wall keeps the enemy out, and we'll never be done.

Wall Lyrics:

The enemy is poverty
And the wall keeps out the enemy
And we build the wall to keep us free
That's why we build the wall.

12. "Fly on the Wall" by t.A.T.u.

There's a fine line between having a crush on someone and being obsessive, and the voyeuristic narrator in this 2008 pop tune leaped way over it. The creepster dreams of being a fly on the wall so that she can watch over the man she loves when he is:

• naked in the shower
• taking a nap
• canoodling with his lover
• undressing or
• gazing in the mirror.

How creepy! The narrator describes arriving, silently undetected. It's clear that she's thought this fly on the wall fantasy out so thoroughly that perhaps it's a plan for stalking him. (Unwanted attention can make you want to build a secure perimeter—a fence, a wall, some kind of barrier!)

Wall Lyrics:

Oh, I wish I was a fly on the wall
Silently I arrive
You don't know I'm alive.

13. "Wall of Glass" by Liam Gallagher

The underlying message in this 2017 rock song is that the vibe you give off is not transparent. Rather, others can clearly detect your intent. Negative energy and insults hurled towards others will rebound upon you eventually. Karma, baby. It all adds up.

Wall Lyrics:

And I don't mean to be unkind
But I see what's in your mind
And the stone you throw
Will turn back in its path
One day you'll shatter like a wall of glass.

14. "Carving Up the World Again... A Wall and Not a Fence" by Robert Plant

Depending on your perspective, walls divide and separate, or they provide defense and security. In this 2017 rock song, the narrator provides social commentary that major countries of the world like Russia, America, and Great Britain are carving up the world by building walls. According to the song, nations built walls that are tall, long, and big, and they divide people bitterly. Then, the builders hide behind those walls in fear of people on the other side.

Wall Lyrics:

Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards.

15. "Higher Than the Wall" by The Steeldrivers

The heart sore guy in this 2010 country song doesn't want to be hurt again, so he built a wall around his heart and locked it up tight. Given the height and strength of the wall, he believed no one could breach it, but then he met a special lady who was up to the challenge. With enough patience and trust, her love reached higher than the wall he built, and she freed him from the prison he had been living in.

Wall Lyrics:

There are walls made of paper, and walls made of stone
And some that are made out of livin' alone
I built a wall no one could break down
Locked up my heart where it couldn't be found.

24 Idioms About Walls

16. "Behind the Wall" by Tracy Chapman

There's often a wall of silence when it comes to domestic violence—a reluctance to become involved. Bystanders may fear that speaking up means they are interfering in a couple's relationship or that nothing will be done. But wouldn't you want someone to call for help if you were being beaten within inches of your life?

In this haunting 1988 folk song, the narrator hears neighbors' violent domestic dispute through their thin apartment walls. Having called the police in the past, however, she skips the 911 call this time and tells herself it's fruitless. In the morning, an ambulance in the street forces her to second guess her fateful decision.

Wall Lyrics:

Last night I heard the screaming
Loud voices behind the wall
Another sleepless night for me
It won't do no good to call
The police always come late
If they come at all.

17. "Back to the Wall" by The Divinyls

The narrator in this rock song from 1988 has her back to the wall, meaning she has reached a point of desperation in which she feels cornered. Anything is possible, she warns, so don't pile additional stress on her. At least she has warned you.

Wall Lyrics:

Don't push, don't shove
Better watch what you do
When my back's to the wall
I might do anything at all
When my back's to the wall
I might take any chance at all
When my back's to the wall
I might do anything.

18. "Walls Can Fall" by George Jones

Country legend George Jones recorded this wall song in 1993 about a man who used to stand in darkness, with his back against the wall. He had suffered in love and was afraid to try again, thus he walled off his feelings. The narrator believed he'd die a lonely man, but luckily he met his clever sweetheart who found a door through his unscalable wall. Thereafter, it was easy to tear down the fortress brick by brick.

Wall Lyrics:

Not a thing can come between us
If we always keep in mind that
You can build 'em strong and tall but walls can fall

19. "If These Walls Could Talk" by 5 Seconds of Summer

No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors except the walls. In this 2018 pop tune, the narrator is grateful that walls cannot speak because of the secrets they've heard and what they've witnessed.

Wall Lyrics:

If these walls could talk
I'd hope they wouldn't say anything
Because they've seen way too many things.

20. "Flowers on the Wall" by The Statler Brothers

When someone starts to count flowers on the wall (regardless of whether they're actually there), that's usually a good sign that the elevator no longer goes to the top anymore. This 1966 country classic describes a man's daily routine at a mental institution he's staying in.

He smokes cigarettes, watches children's television, plays solitaire, and counts the decorations on the wall. (Hopefully, there's wallpaper instead of a solid painted wall.) If you've ever visited someone in a psychiatric facility, you know the song's depiction is reasonable.

Wall Lyrics:

Countin' flowers on the wall
That don't bother me at all
Playin' solitaire till dawn with a deck of fifty-one
Smokin' cigarettes and watchin' Captain Kangaroo
Now don't tell me I've nothin' to do.

The Wall Art of The Barranco District in Lima, Peru

This mural adorned the walls of a tunnel in The Barranco district in Lima, Peru, when I visited in July 2018. The mural displayed a diversity of people looking up to the heavens.

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Even More Songs About Walls

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2019 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 03, 2019:

Ty - Thank you for suggesting this song. I've added it at #58.

Ty Parker on April 02, 2019:

Build a Wall by Panic is Perfect

Robert Sacchi on March 12, 2019:

You're welcome.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 12, 2019:

Bob - Thank you for that suggestion. Adding it. Some people climb walls, others build them or tear them, and still others stand with their backs against them.

Robert Sacchi on March 11, 2019:

Would "United We Stand" by Brotherhood of Man fall into this category?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 11, 2019:

Shannon - Thanks for taking a look!

Shannon Henry from Texas on March 10, 2019:

Wow, I think this may be the first one you've completely stumped me on. All the ones that came to mind for me are listed already. LOL

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 21, 2019:

Peggy - I was surprised by how many "wall" songs there were once I started looking. Thanks for stopping by!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on February 20, 2019:

How timely that you selected this topic given the politics regarding the building of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico right now. I am continually amazed at the number of songs given just about any topic that you showcase. Good job!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 23, 2019:

Mary - Some people build walls that seem virtually impenetrable. I appreciate your comment and visit.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on January 23, 2019:

You are right, we do build walls to protect ourselves. It is amazing how many songs you have discovered just on walls. I'll try to listen to some of these.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 23, 2019:

Devika - Thank you for following along.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on January 23, 2019:

I like the playlists you have shared and each time I learn about a new one.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 21, 2019:

Chitrangada - Thanks for the sweet comment. Have a lovely week.

Robert Sacchi on January 21, 2019:

Yes, it's great how you get into the meanings of songs.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on January 21, 2019:

As usual, an amazing playlist. I didn’t realise, there were so many songs about walls.

Well written and well presented, with nice pictures. Thanks for sharing another interesting article!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 21, 2019:

Linda - Thank you for the kind compliment. I should do a travel article or two about my Peruvian travels. I have some amazing photos that are full of culture, nature, and color.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 21, 2019:

Tim, That's good to hear. Let the bad stuff roll off and the good soak right through. I appreciate you.

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on January 21, 2019:

Hi, Flourish,

The redneck didn't bother me. For goodness sake! America is made up of all kinds of people and there is a little of each type in all of us. (Truthfully here, I'm probably describing the world. There are only so many ways human beings can behave regardless of where they are from or the borders that separate.)

But I'm surprised the Wall Flowers, that band featuring Bob Dylan's son, didn't make one about a wall.

Anyway, I thought about another song: Nikita, that song by Elton John, where he sings:

Nikita you will never know,

Anything about my home ....

He's talking about the Berlin Wall I think.

Anyway, may your day be without forts unless you need them.

Sincerely,

Tim

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on January 20, 2019:

Your playlist articles are thought provoking as well as interesting. I’m glad you included the lovely photos of the art. I was hoping to see some photos of your trip to Peru.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Bob - I liked that part of the song, too. Basically, he's not playing with a full deck. Very clever, eh? A lot of people assume the song is about some bored guy sitting in his home looking at the walls. Thank you for the additional song suggestions. Have a fabulous week!

Robert Sacchi on January 20, 2019:

The border controversy seems to have spawned a few songs. I wonder if there will be more for your list this year.

I didn't know "Flowers on the Wall" was about someone in an asylum. I learned something new. The punch line with playing solitaire "with a deck of 51".

What about:

"Four Walls" by Jim Reeves

"Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother" by Jerry Jeff Walker

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Dora - I liked his lyrics of reconciliation. So many people give up on love rather than consider reconciling. Thank you for stopping by. Have a joyful week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Hayley Dodwell - I appreciate your kind encouragement.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Linda - Some songs really stand the test of time, and that is one of them. I wanted to write this topical songlist in a way that would be relevant years later. Hopefully, we'll figure it out soon and get people back to work. I hope all is well in your corner of the world. Sending hugs your way!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Liz - I like that one, too! Thanks for stopping by!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Clive - Maybe some, but some are classics.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on January 20, 2019:

I like the Alan Jackson lyrics. There are so many lessons about love and about walls that can be taught from his scenario. Thanks for continuing these lists.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Tim - I’m sorry you and your family had to deal with personal malice like that. Thank goodness the police officer was available to keep you all safe from harm. It was wrong and I hope you didn’t let the redneck ruin your weekend. Dont let the haters win.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Pamela - Thank you for the kind kudos. Many of us wall off painful experiences or hurt feelings. I appreciate your stopping by.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Heidi - Obsession indeed. We recently flew to Florida and went through the TSA screening. Literally, it was "put it in the bag and push it on through." It was befuddling. I hope we are safe while this whole wall thing is figured out. Thanks for the addition! Have a wonderful week ahead!

Hayley Dodwell on January 20, 2019:

A fascinating article - just brilliant!

Liz Westwood from UK on January 20, 2019:

Another great list. Your number 1 coincided with my choice for top of the list.

Clive Williams from Jamaica on January 20, 2019:

These are a few weird songs. Strange list.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on January 20, 2019:

Flourish, I must admit that the Pink Floyd song is what immediately came to mind when I saw the title of your article. Of course, all of us are focused on "the wall" at this moment in history, but you have written this so that it will be yet another hub that will stand the test of time.

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on January 20, 2019:

Hi, Flourish,

Your topic is so relevant for music and for a potent reminder of where we are and what we are still dealing with as a nation. On Sat., my wife and I happen to be in your state – Dinweddie County – to be precise. It’s our normal weekend pastime, going to places and shooting pictures while I jot down any inspiring thoughts I may have to write about later.

In any case, while on a public road (which is how we do our pictures unless it’s a national park or historic site), we were shouted at and ordered to pull over by some local who swore we didn’t have a right to shoot pictures of his property. We pulled up to the intersection and waited for the officer.

The officer was none too happy; he saw the immediate problem, in the local’s head anyway. He explicitly explained the man had no right to yell at us or be hostile. Essentially, the local stopped the “legal movement” of traffic on a public road.

Here I give that officer credit for acting professionally. He handled the situation with class. Apparently, the local had a problem with what was sitting in our car, a combination of years of struggle which said people can marry and be with who they want.

So, as we prepare to celebrate Dr. King’s holiday, it’s important we remember the walls have fallen substantially, but we still have work to do. Another song by Toxic Event states: "We won't negotiate with terror." How true. We will not bend to the use of violence nor use it in the pursuit of peace. In the meantime, we will have a cool playlist about walls from you to dance around to as we work through the power of love.

Much love and respect to a creative and talented soul,

Sincerely,

Tim

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on January 20, 2019:

Hi Flourish, I am always surprised about the great number of songs available on all of these topics. I like what you said initially as so many of us do build walls to try and avoid pain I guess, but it doesn't work.

Anyway, I have always liked Sam Smith and Alan Jackson, so they are my two picks for numbe 1!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Bill - Just listening to that song makes it an earworm for awhile, at least for me. Hope your Sunday is a good one!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Tim - Happy Sunday to you, and thanks for the addition. I've never heard of that particular group but appreciated listening.

As topical as the Southern border wall is now (and I sure hope the situation is solved soon), I wanted to represent all types of walls so that this playlist is just as relevant in years to come. Many of the most intractable walls are in our own hearts and minds. I think that's what this nation is struggling with now to some extent.

May you have love in your heart this week and joy in your life. Wishing you all the best, my friend.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on January 20, 2019:

Inspired by the recent administration's obsession with a border wall? :) Love the Pink Floyd tune.

My only add would be Too Many Walls by Cathy Dennis.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Shawindi Silva - Thanks for being the first to stop by this morning! Have a great week!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on January 20, 2019:

Pink Floyd is the only one I could think of...loved your opening line...each of us is a bricklayer...profound and oh, so true.

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on January 20, 2019:

Hi, Flourish,

Pleasant Sunday to you. Apparently, walls reach me and they have touched my dear friend from a few hours away, too. Wonderful playlist.

I thought about an Indie group as I read this list. I don't know if Toxic Event ever released this song as a single, but the song is: The Kids are Lined Up on the Wall." It's a dark song about police violence and over coming the problems associated with it.

Your playlists are timeless, Flourish. No walls associated with any genre or style you select. An excellent brick layer is in you.

And thanks for new songs to check out.

Much respect and admiration,

Tim

Shawindi Silva from Sri lanka on January 20, 2019:

It's amazing ! I didn't know that there are songs about walls too.